As part of our ongoing series, we spoke to Alina about how she got into childhood education and how it became a fulfilling career change for her.

How/why did you begin a career in early and middle childhood education and care and how long have you been working within the sector?

I started my career in early childhood education and care after having my first child to learn how to be the best mother I can be for him and to nurture him every step of his development.

This has opened a new passion and ultimately a career change for myself.

I started my career working as a volunteer for Anglicare in Goulburn and then trained professionally whilst running my own family day care business in Goulburn.

I've been working in the sector for almost five years.

What inspires you most about working with children in the early and middle years?

When working with children, no two days are ever the same, hence you learn alongside them and by watching them grow and carve their own little personalities.

Without naming names, are there any memorable children you've looked after/taught that stand out to you and why?

I particularly remember one girl that I cared for in Goulburn; she acted very mature for her age, she was two at the time.

Always clinging to me, asking me about my day and telling me all sorts of stories.

She had a pet parrot who she loved very much. His name was Charlie.

She had the most gorgeous big blue eyes and a very cheerful personality.

I believe she'll achieve great things in life by just being herself.

How has early/middle childhood changed over the years?

Over the past five years, I've worked both as a family day care educator as well as an educator in centre-based care, and what I've noticed is that there's been a shift into how educators communicate with children, caring for their opinion, considering their interests and wishes, treating them almost like an adult.

I think this is a positive way the early childhood profession is heading, which will help build much stronger children, able to speak up for themselves, and the future generation.

What would be your advice for people looking at a career in early or middle childhood?

Be passionate and truly embrace being a child again when engaging in children's play.

Tell us something about yourself that people may not know about

I'm originally from Romania and I come from a completely different career background.

I used to be a German and English translator sitting in front of a computer for hours on end which turned out to be not what I envisioned for myself.

I now feel much more fulfilled being able to make a difference into little humans' lives doing what I love.

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